Your rights when you move
Federal rules protect you on every interstate move. Here you will find the FMCSA consumer booklets, how to check any mover or broker, and what to do if something goes wrong.
- Required FMCSA brochures, official PDF versions
- How to verify a mover or broker
- How to file a complaint
Read these two brochures before you move
Federal rules require movers and brokers to give every interstate customer these two FMCSA publications. Open or download them below; they are the official versions published by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move
The official guide to interstate moving: estimates, the order for service, the bill of lading, inventories, weighing, liability coverage, delivery and how to file a claim.
Open the booklet (PDF)
Ready to Move?
A short moving checklist from FMCSA: how to choose a mover or broker, what to ask, red flags of moving fraud and what to do if something goes wrong.
Open the brochure (PDF)Both publications are also available on the FMCSA Protect Your Move website: fmcsa.dot.gov/protect-your-move/consumer-rights. Atlant Van Lines is a household goods broker, USDOT 7524160, MC 61173740.
Key points of federal moving rules
- Written estimate. You should receive a written estimate before you book. It can be binding, non-binding or not-to-exceed; on a non-binding estimate, you can’t be required to pay more than 110% of the estimate at delivery, with the rest billed later.
- Order for service and bill of lading. These documents list your dates, services and charges. Read them before you sign.
- Inventory. Every item and its condition is recorded at pickup. Check it again at delivery and note any damage before you sign.
- Liability. Interstate carriers must offer Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection at 60 cents per pound per article at no extra charge.
- Claims. You have up to 9 months after delivery to file a written damage or loss claim with the carrier.
- Broker disclosure. A broker must tell you it is a broker and not a carrier. Atlant Van Lines is a broker, and the carrier transporting your belongings is named on your moving paperwork.
This page is a summary for convenience. The FMCSA booklets and federal regulations are the official source.
How to check any mover or broker
- Search the company’s USDOT number on FMCSA SAFER and confirm its authority is active.
- Brokers should show broker authority; carriers should show authority to transport household goods.
- Make sure the name on the website, the estimate and the paperwork match the registration.
- Be careful with very low phone quotes given without reviewing your inventory, and with large cash deposits.
How to file a complaint
Start with your coordinator: most problems can be solved quickly, and we work with the carrier on your behalf.
You can also file a complaint about any interstate mover or broker with FMCSA through the National Consumer Complaint Database: nccdb.fmcsa.dot.gov → or by phone at 1-888-368-7238.
Damage and loss claims are filed in writing with the carrier within 9 months of delivery.
Questions about your rights?
Talk to a coordinator, or get a free quote in about a minute.